Tag: Metra

In the past 25 years, there has been a drastic change in the type of car stereo systems that vehicle manufacturers have been incorporating into their new models of cars. Most premium models of new cars are built with high quality In-Dash CD players that you simply cannot remove without re-doing the whole system because it is part of the vehicle’s network. However, this does not mean that you have to settle for the lack of extra features the factory radio contains. To keep up with today’s technology, manufacturers such as Scosche, Metra, PAC, iSimple, Axxess and many others created convenient OEM Integration products. These integration products allow you to add on some of today’s most sought aftermarket components such as Bluetooth, GPS Navigation, iPod, HD Radio, Amplifiers, Subwoofers, and much more with the benefits keeping the factory receiver. In most cases, factory receivers are built with higher quality components than aftermarket headunits and usually last just as long as the vehicle itself.

Now-a-days, with the “no cell phone use while driving” law, the most popular add-on most people want to integrate into their vehicle is Handsfree Bluetooth. No matter what vehicle you drive, there is a very good chance there is a Bluetooth Integration product that will work for you. This is all made possible by companies like Metra, Scosche, and PAC who created easy plug-in harness’s that are compatible today’s most popular Bluetooth Handfree Kits. First you will need to purchase a Handsfree kit like the Parrot MKi9000 if you don’t have one already. The next step would be to find the harness that is compatible with your car and Bluetooth Kit, get it installed, and that’s it, you have yourself Bluetooth with a factory system.

With CD’s almost becoming a thing of the past, most people keep all their music on their iPods. Luckliy, these same great companies I have mentioned above, also make iPod interfaces kits that allow you to connect an iPod or an iPhone to your factory stereo with simple plug-n-play installation. One quality interface you can use is the iSimple PXDP. The PXDP is a universal iPod Interface that allows you to control an iPod directly from the factory radio and is compatible with most popular makes of vehicles. Most iPod interfaces do require a vehicle specific harness to install.

If you are not completely satisfied with the sound quality of your factory car audio system, it is possible to add an amplifier, speakers, or even a subwoofer to your vehicle without changing the factory receiver. To add an amplifier, all you need is the amp of your choice, a matching extension cable, and a vehicle specific T-harness to avoid having to splice into your factory wiring. Blaupunkt is known for making quality vehicle specific amplifier solutions that provide a crisp, clean sound to your factory system.

If you’re looking to add some bass to your factory system, but don’t want to lose any precious cargo space, MTX has come to your rescue. The MTX Thunderform Enclosures are custom fit solutions that are designed specifically to fit into a convenient spot in your vehicle. They come in a pre-loaded or an empty option and are made for mostly all makes and models of vehicles.

OEM integration is the best way to keep your factory system while adding on any aftermarket component that you may desire. Whether it be adding a CD Changer, iPod integration, Bluetooth, HD Radio, Amplifier, Speakers, Subwoofers, or more, it can all be accomplished while keeping your vehicles dash untouched.

Finding the information that you need to install a car stereo just got easier… a lot easier. Metra Electronics, a leader in the mobile 12-volt electronics industry, has released a new application for iPhones and Android based smartphones. The application is intended to make the installers life easier but allowing him or her complete access to the entire Metra database of vehicle information and compatible products. In the past, a Metra print application guide or a computer would be needed to look up the vehicle information. While this was the best way to get accurate information about a car, it wasn’t always the most convenient. Inevitably, the Metra guide would get lost, the Internet would go slow, there wouldn’t be a computer near-by, etc. It seemed like there was always something keeping us from finding out specific vehicle information. Metra has always supplied this information, but sometimes it wasn’t convenient to access. Metra is an installer company. They strive to be the installer’s choice and provide the most convenient products that retain premier quality. Now Metra has expanded that convenience on to the Smartphone. By downloading the Metra application, you will have the Metra site available in your pocket. Find the harness, car stereo dash kits, antennas, etc that any car needs. As updates are released in the future, you will be able to easily have access to the speaker sizes and locations of just about any vehicle in production. The app aims to be a complete vehicle fit guide that you carry with you wherever you go. While the large application guide might not always be the most convenient thing to carry around, Smartphone’s are much easier to carry in your pocket. So next time someone asks you what they need to install a car stereo in their car, you don’t have to guess anymore. Just whip out your Smartphone, open the Metra app, and find all the information that you need.